Abuja – The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, pledged to support women as agents in improving clean technology to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Oyo-Ita said this at the inauguration of Women in Cleantech and Eco-Innovation (WCE) Initiative on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme is “Clean Technologies: Appraising the Potential and Challenges for Enhancing National Sustainable Development under the 2015 Paris Climate Deal.”
Represented at the inauguration by Mrs Vivian Okpara, a Director with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Oyo-Ita said that women in developing countries were more affected by climate change and degradation of the environment than women in developed nations.
She, however, said that the initiative was a laudable idea that would improve the lives of women and youths toward a healthy environment.
Mrs Grace Udounwa-Ogolo, the Chairperson of WCE, said women were crucial resource in national development, especially in combating climate change.
She explained that “clean technologies are technologies that are environment-friendly and we are looking at renewable energy, water technology, agricultural technology and many others.
“The push is that we want to have more women; we want to build their capacity, skills and make sure that they earn a living from these technologies.
“Women are majorly the victims of climate change globally,” she said.
Udounwa-Ogolo noted that combating climate change was not only the responsibility of individuals, organisations but required collaboration with government.
She added that stakeholders needed to build a formidable force in creating awareness on the dangers of climate distortion and change.
According to her, if women are more educated about the challenges of climate change, it will go a long way in preserving and changing the economy positively.
Mrs Adebisi Olumodimu, Head of Investment and Technology, Promotion, UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), said women empowerment was a core objective of the organisation.
Olumodimu said that investing in women was a surest way of achieving SDGs by 2030.
She added that “achieving SDGs includes enhancing the role of women as drivers of poverty reduction, promoting female investors and entrepreneurs.
“It also involves recognising the link between gender equality and safeguarding the environment for inclusive and sustainable industrialisation.
“All these contribute to the achievement of SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, as well as SDG 5 on gender equality.”
Prof. Imoh Obioh, an officer with the Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), said clean technologies would improve the quality of life.
Obioh said that “ozone layer depletion with high radiation of energy exposes human skin to sun burn and damage the eyes”
He added that clean technologies such as the use of solar energy, water technology, among other forms of environment-friendly technologies, could be engaged to enhance the quality of life and the economy. (NAN)
